Red Bull Admits Wrong Call on Liam Lawson as Yuki Tsunoda Gets Promotion

Red Bull's Driver Dilemma Unfolds

Helmut Marko, Red Bull's influential motorsport advisor, has openly admitted the team's error in assessing Liam Lawson's readiness for their championship-winning squad. The 23-year-old New Zealander struggled dramatically in the opening rounds of the 2025 season, culminating in a swift return to sister team Racing Bulls.

Performance Breakdown: Lawson's Rocky Start

• Australian GP: Qualified 18th, retired due to crash
• Chinese GP: Qualified last for both sprint and main race, finished 14th and 12th
• Lap times consistently 1.5-2 seconds off teammate Max Verstappen

Marko revealed to BBC Sport: "The RB21 proved too demanding for Lawson at this stage. When confidence is shattered, recovery becomes exponentially harder at the pinnacle of motorsport."

Tsunoda's Unexpected Redemption

In a dramatic reversal from last season's evaluation:

• The 24-year-old Japanese driver showcased remarkable progress
• Demonstrated superior racecraft in midfield battles
• Delivered consistent points finishes for Racing Bulls (P8 in Bahrain, P7 in Saudi Arabia)

"Sometimes maturity comes late," Marko noted. "After four underwhelming seasons, Yuki has evolved into the complete package we always believed he could be."

Strategic Implications for Red Bull

1. Constructors' Championship: Dual scoring drivers crucial against resurgent Ferrari
2. Verstappen Support: Tsunoda provides better strategic flexibility in races
3. Data Comparison: Critical for car development with two competitive drivers

Technical Insight: The RB21's aggressive aerodynamics particularly challenge less experienced drivers, explaining Verstappen's dominance (2 podiums) versus teammates' struggles.

Lawson's Road to Redemption

Racing Bulls team principal Franz Tost offered encouragement: "History shows our program works - see Gasly and Albon's comebacks. The AT04 suits Liam's smoother style far better than our lead car."

Development Pathway:

• Immediate simulator work to rebuild confidence
• Targeted mid-season testing in Barcelona
• Possible FP1 appearances at European rounds

Verstappen's Contract Clause Looms

Amid the driver drama, Marko acknowledged:

• Performance clauses in Verstappen's contract becoming active
• Current car limitations risk alienating their star driver
• Major aero upgrades planned for Imola to address balance issues

"Five titles with Max remains the absolute priority," Marko emphasized. "Every decision funnel through that objective."

Fan Reaction and Industry Response

The paddock remains divided:

• Verstappen subtly endorsed criticism of the move via social media
• Rival teams reportedly exploring Lawson's availability for 2026
• Tsunoda becomes first Japanese Red Bull Racing driver since 2008

Next Stop: Suzuka (April 4-6) where Tsunoda will debut under tremendous home nation expectations.